Gantner Q Series User manual

Manual
Q.bloxx-EC
Vers. No. 2.0

Vers. No. 2.0
2Released: 5/07/2016
© 2016 Gantner Instruments GmbH
Operating instructions, manuals and software are protected by
copyright. Copying, duplicating, translating, conversion into any
electronic medium or into machine readable form, completely or
partially, is only permissible with the expressed consent of
Gantner Instruments GmbH. An exception is the making of a copy
of software for one's own use for backup purposes, where this is
technically possible and recommended by us. Infringements will
be pursued in law and will be subject to compensation claims.
All trademarks and brand names used in this document only indi-
cate the respective product or the proprietor of the trademark or
brand name. The naming of products which are not from Gantner
Instruments GmbH is made exclusively for informative purposes.
Gantner Instruments GmbH makes no claims on trademarks or
brand names other than its own.

Q.series
Gantner Instruments GmbH 3
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
1Safety Information ................................................ 7
1.1 Intended use .......................................................................... 7
1.2 Checking for damage in transit ............................................. 7
1.3 Personnel ............................................................................... 7
1.4 Special risks........................................................................... 8
1.5 Siting locations ...................................................................... 8
1.6 Modifications.......................................................................... 8
1.7 Servicing and cleaning........................................................... 8
1.8 Disposal.................................................................................. 9
1.9 General hazards due to non-observance of the safety
information............................................................................. 9
2Labels and warning information......................... 11
2.1 Warning information ............................................................ 11
2.2 Labels on the modules ......................................................... 11
2.3 Labels in this manual ........................................................... 12
3Introduction ........................................................ 13
3.1 The documentation in the Q.bloxx-EC range ....................... 14
3.2 About this manual ................................................................ 14
3.3 System description............................................................... 15
4Measuring with EtherCAT................................... 17
4.1 Method of operation............................................................. 17
4.2 The EtherCAT master .......................................................... 17
4.3 Synchronization of the EtherCAT bus devices..................... 18
4.4 Connecting the Q.bloxx-EC modules.................................... 18
4.5 Configuring the Q.bloxx-EC modules................................... 18
4.6 Support for fast data transmission (XFC) ............................ 19
5Connection .......................................................... 21
5.1 Mounting modules and connecting them to the bus 
coupler ................................................................................. 21
5.2 Removing modules or bus coupler....................................... 23
5.3 Connecting the power supply .............................................. 24
5.4 Connecting the housing to the protective earth conductor . 25

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Table of Contents
5.5 Connecting interfaces.......................................................... 26
5.5.1 EtherCATConnecting interfaces .......................................... 26
5.5.2 Manually installing the USB driver for the PC .................... 26
5.6 Flashing sequences of bus coupler and modules................. 28
5.6.1 Bus coupler LEDs................................................................. 28
5.6.2 Module LEDs........................................................................ 29
5.7 The modules and their connection options.......................... 30
5.8 Q.bloxx-EC A101: Connecting sensors................................. 32
5.8.1 Voltage................................................................................. 32
5.8.2 Current ................................................................................ 33
5.8.3 Potentiometer ...................................................................... 33
5.8.4 Resistance, Pt100, Pt1000 ................................................... 33
5.8.5 Thermocouple ...................................................................... 34
5.8.6 Full and half-bridge transducers ......................................... 34
5.8.7 Strain-gauge quarter bridges .............................................. 35
5.8.8 IEPE/ICP®sensor ................................................................ 35
5.9 Q.bloxx-EC A102: Connecting sensors and I/O.................... 37
5.9.1 Voltage................................................................................. 37
5.9.2 Current ................................................................................ 38
5.9.3 Full and half-bridge transducers ......................................... 38
5.9.4 Strain-gauge quarter bridges .............................................. 39
5.9.5 IEPE/ICP®sensor ................................................................ 39
5.9.6 Analog output ...................................................................... 39
5.10 Q.bloxx-EC A103: Connecting sensors and I/O.................... 41
5.10.1 Voltage................................................................................. 41
5.10.2 Current ................................................................................ 42
5.10.3 Digital input and output....................................................... 42
5.11 Q.bloxx-EC A104: Connecting sensors................................. 43
5.11.1 Voltage................................................................................. 43
5.11.2 Thermocouple ...................................................................... 44
5.12 Q.bloxx-EC A105: Connecting sensors................................. 45
5.12.1 Resistance, Pt100, Pt1000 ................................................... 45
5.13 Q.bloxx-EC A106: Connecting sensors and I/O.................... 47
5.13.1 Full and half-bridge transducers ......................................... 47
5.13.2 Strain-gauge quarter bridge................................................ 48
5.13.3 Inductive full and half bridges............................................. 48
5.13.4 LVDT, RVDT......................................................................... 49
5.13.5 Analog output ...................................................................... 49
5.14 Q.bloxx-EC A107: Connecting sensors................................. 50
5.14.1 Voltage................................................................................. 50
5.14.2 Current ................................................................................ 51
5.14.3 Potentiometer ...................................................................... 51
5.14.4 Resistance, Pt100, Pt1000 ................................................... 51

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Gantner Instruments GmbH 5
Table of Contents
5.14.5 Thermocouple....................................................................... 52
5.14.6 Full-bridge transducer.......................................................... 52
5.14.7 Strain-gauge half and quarter bridges ................................. 53
5.15 Q.bloxx-EC A108: Connecting sensors................................. 54
5.15.1 Voltage.................................................................................. 54
5.15.2 Current ................................................................................. 55
5.16 Q.bloxx-EC A109: Connecting I/O and outputs .................... 56
5.16.1 Digital input and output, Plug 1 ........................................... 56
5.16.2 Analog output, Plug 2 ........................................................... 57
5.17 Q.bloxx-EC A111: Connecting sensors and I/O .................... 58
5.17.1 Voltage.................................................................................. 58
5.17.2 IEPE/ICP®Sensor ................................................................ 59
5.18 Q.bloxx-EC A116: Connecting sensors................................. 60
5.18.1 Full and half-bridge transducers .......................................... 63
5.18.2 Strain-gauge quarter bridge................................................. 64
5.18.3 Activating the shunt resistance ............................................ 66
5.19 Q.bloxx-EC A123: Connecting sensors................................. 68
5.19.1 Voltage.................................................................................. 69
5.19.2 Current ................................................................................. 69
5.20 Q.bloxx-EC A124: Connecting sensors................................. 70
5.20.1 Voltage.................................................................................. 71
5.20.2 Thermocouple....................................................................... 71
5.21 Q.bloxx-EC A127: Connecting sensors................................. 72
5.21.1 Voltage.................................................................................. 73
5.21.2 Current ................................................................................. 73
5.22 Q.bloxx-EC A128: Connecting sensors................................. 74
5.22.1 Voltage.................................................................................. 75
5.23 Q.bloxx-EC D101: Connecting I/O........................................ 76
5.23.1 Digital input and output ....................................................... 76
5.24 Q.bloxx-EC D104: connecting digital inputs ........................ 79
5.24.1 Digital input.......................................................................... 79
5.25 Q.bloxx-EC D105: connecting digital outputs ...................... 81
5.25.1 Digital output........................................................................ 81
5.26 Q.bloxx-EC D107: Connecting digital inputs ....................... 82
5.26.1 Digital input.......................................................................... 82
6Configuration...................................................... 85
6.1 Configuration via ICP 100.................................................... 85
6.1.1 Installing the ICP 100........................................................... 86
6.1.2 Set communication parameters............................................ 86
6.1.3 Setting sensor parameters ................................................... 88
6.1.4 Carrier frequency synchronization (Q.bloxx-EC D106) ........ 90
6.1.5 Zero balancing/taring the sensor ......................................... 91

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6.1.6 Sensor scaling over several points (table) ........................... 93
6.1.7 Specifying digital inputs/outputs ......................................... 95
6.1.8 Defining analog outputs....................................................... 96
6.1.9 Defining computations......................................................... 97
6.1.10 Specifying the alarm monitoring ......................................... 99
6.1.11 Setting oversampling (XFC)............................................... 100
6.1.12 Firmware update ............................................................... 101
6.2 Communication/configuration using TwinCAT .................. 103
6.2.1 Configuration file for EtherCAT master............................. 103
6.2.2 Defining an interface ......................................................... 104
6.2.3 Linking the Q.bloxx-EC modules........................................ 105
6.2.4 Configuring the modules ................................................... 110
6.2.5 Saving the settings ............................................................ 112
6.2.6 Distributed clock (DC) ....................................................... 114
7Appendix............................................................ 116
7.1 Connecting sensors with sensing leads ............................. 116
7.2 Sensor scaling.................................................................... 117
7.2.1 Scaling of voltage signals and strain-gauge bridges ......... 117
7.2.2 Scaling strain gauges......................................................... 118
7.3 Current measurement with an external shunt................... 120
8International Sales and Service ........................ 121

Q.series
Gantner Instruments GmbH 7
1 Safety Information
1Safety Information
Before starting installation, setting up, operation and before
maintenance work is carried out, it is essential to read and follow
the appropriate warning and safety information given in this
manual.
Installation, setting up, operation and maintenance of the mod-
ules or devices must take place as intended, i.e. under the condi-
tions of use laid down in this manual and in the technical data for
the relevant module or device.
1.1 Intended use
The products in the Q.series range are intended for use in indus-
trial and experimental test engineering and for monitoring
assembly and production processes. Transducers (sensors) for
the acquisition of physical quantities such as voltage, current,
resistance, temperature, force, displacement, torque, mass,
strain and pressure can be connected. The modules are used
exclusively for these kinds of measurement and control applica-
tions. Any application which goes beyond this scope does not fall
within the intended use of the modules.
To ensure safe operation the modules and devices must only be
operated according to the details given in the manuals and tech-
nical data sheets. In addition, the required legal and safety regu-
lations covering the respective application must be followed. This
applies in particular to the modules A123, A124, A127 and A128
with which input voltages of up to 1200VDC are possible.
1.2 Checking for damage in transit
On receipt of the goods visually check that the packaging and the
module or device together with the data medium are intact. Also
check the shipment for completeness (accessory parts, documen-
tation, auxiliary aids, etc.). If the packaging has been damaged in
transit or if you suspect that the product is damaged or may mal-
function, the product must not be put into operation. In this case
contact your customer consultant or Gantner Instruments GmbH.
1.3 Personnel
The installation, operation and maintenance of the modules or
devices must only be carried out by competent persons. Compe-
tent persons are those who through their professional education
have sufficient knowledge in the required field and are familiar
with the relevant national occupational protection regulations,

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1 Safety Information
accident prevention regulations, guidelines and accepted engi-
neering rules. They must be able to reliably assess the results of
their work and must be familiar with the contents of this manual.
Electrical connections must only be carried out by specialist per-
sonnel trained for the task.
In particular, pay attention to the following:
• the national installation and erection regulations (e.g. ÖVE,
VDE, etc.)
• generally accepted engineering rules
• the details on transport, installation, operation, servicing,
maintenance and disposal in this manual.
• the parameters, limits and the details about the operating and
ambient conditions on the name-plates and in the data sheets.
1.4 Special risks
The modules A123, A124, A127 and A128 are specifically
intended for measurements at high voltages. Consequently, on
the modules a voltage of up to 1200 V may be present, which can
lead to fatal or severe injury on touching the terminal contacts or
bare parts of the connecting cables. Therefore, make sure that
only qualified personnel have access to the modules or devices
and that the voltages on modules can be switched off by a switch-
disconnector or similar device for service purposes.
1.5 Siting locations
The devices in the Q.series range are protected to IP20 against
water, dirt and small parts. If the ambient conditions require it,
the modules can be fitted in water-protected or watertight hous-
ings.
Please note the admissible ambient temperatures specified in the
technical data.
1.6 Modifications
Making modifications to the modules or devices is not permitted.
Dirt and shrouding covers may only be removed for service and
maintenance purposes.
1.7 Servicing and cleaning
The modules or devices do not need any servicing. Cleaning may
only take place in the voltage-free state. Therefore follow the
points below:

Q.series
Gantner Instruments GmbH 9
1 Safety Information
• Before cleaning, disconnect all connectors.
• Clean the housing with a soft, slightly moistened cloth. Never
use any solvents, because these may attack the labels.
• When cleaning, make sure that no liquid enters into the
device or goes onto the terminals.
Never attempt to repair nor to again operate devices which are
defective, have developed a fault or are damaged. In this case it
is essential to contact your customer consultant or Gantner
Instruments GmbH.
1.8 Disposal
Old devices which are no longer usable must be disposed of
according to national and local regulations regarding environ-
mental protection and raw-material recycling. Electronic compo-
nents must not be disposed of with the household refuse. The
packaging can be recycled and should therefore be passed into
the recycling system. However, we recommend that the packag-
ing is kept until the end of the warranty period so that you can
pack faulty devices or modules properly.
1.9 General hazards due to non-observance of the
safety information
The modules or devices conform to the state of the art and are
operationally safe. However residual risks may arise when they
are used and operated improperly by untrained personnel.
Any person commissioned with the task of siting, operating, ser-
vicing or repairing a module or device in the Q.series must have
read and understood the operating manual and in particular the
information relating to safety.

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1 Safety Information

Q.series
Gantner Instruments GmbH 11
2 Labels and warning information
2Labels and warning infor-
mation
2.1 Warning information
To prevent personal injury and damage to property it is essential
that you follow the warning and safety information given in this
operating manual.
Indicates a directly threatening hazard. If it is not pre-
vented, the consequence will be fatal or serious injuries.
Indicates a possibly hazardous situation. If it is not prevented, the
consequence may be fatal or serious injuries.
Indicates a possibly hazardous situation. If it is not prevented, the
consequence may be injuries of slight or medium severity.
Indicates a situation in which the consequence may be property
damage if the information is not followed.
2.2 Labels on the modules
Symbol:
Meaning: This symbol is the CE marking. This shows that we
guarantee that our product meets the requirements of the rele-
vant EC directives.
Symbol: CAT I, CAT II, CAT III
Meaning: Modules with this symbol are intended for the connec-
tion of high voltage. The maximum admissible voltage is also
given.
Symbol:
Meaning: High voltage may be present on the module connec-
tions. Connection may only be made with the insulated connect-
ing plugs provided.

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2 Labels and warning information
2.3 Labels in this manual
To simplify reading this manual we use – along with the warning
information given above – the following labels and notation:
IMPORTANT
Paragraphs with this symbol give important information about
the product or about using the product.
Tip
Contains application hints and other particularly useful informa-
tion.
Symbol:
Meaning: Before connecting or disconnecting cables make sure
that all sources of power are Locked Out.
italics signifies highlighted text
interface signifies entries and entry fields in program
user interfaces
Options indicates menu items in the program user
interfaces
>signifies a sequence of menu items, e.g. in
Options > Settings
➡indicates special features or restrictions

Q.series
Gantner Instruments GmbH 13
3 Introduction
3Introduction
Dear Customer,
Thank you for purchasing a product in the Q.series from Gantner
Instruments GmbH. We are sure that you have obtained an excel-
lent product which will enable you to make fast and reliable mea-
surements with low measurement uncertainties.
If you find faults on the product or errors in the accompanying
documentation or if you have suggestions for improvement,
please contact your customer consultant or Gantner Instruments
GmbH directly. We would be glad to receive your comments and
ideas.
You will find further information in the section Technical Infor-
mation in our Wiki at https://dev.gantner-instruments.com/doku-
wiki. The user name is support and the password is gins (not all
sections are open to the public).
Austria Gantner Instruments GmbH
Montafonerstr. 4
6780 Schruns/Austria
Tel.: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
E-mail: [e-mail]
Web: www.gantner-instruments.com
Germany Gantner Instruments Test & Measurement GmbH
Heidelberger Landstr. 74
64297 Darmstadt
Tel.: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: www.gantner-instruments.com

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3 Introduction
3.1 The documentation in the Q.bloxx-EC range
The documentation for the Q.bloxx-EC consists of this manual
about the Q.bloxx-EC modules A101, A102, A103, A104, A105,
A106, A107, A108, A109, A111, A116, A123, A124, A127, A128,
D101, D104, D105 and D107 as well as the bus coupler Q.bloxx-
EC BC.
You will find this manual also asa PDF file on our home page
www.gantner-instruments.com and on the Gantner CD enclosed
with your module or which you can order free of charge from
Gantner Instruments GmbH.
3.2 About this manual
This manual describes the installation, operation and the configu-
ration of the modules Q.bloxx-EC A101, A102, A103, A104, A105,
A106, A107, A108, A109, A111, A116, A123, A124, A127, A128,
D101, D104, D105 and D107 through the bus coupler Q.bloxx-EC
BC and using the program ICP 100. Also included is an introduc-
tion to the setup and method of operation with a EtherCAT mas-
ter, using TwinCAT from Beckhoff as an example. The modules
are differentiated through the number of their analog and/or dig-
ital inputs and outputs, by the maximum possible sample rate and
the admissible input voltages.
The manual is divided into several chapters:
• Safety information in Chapter 1, page 7ff.
• A description of the labels and symbols used on the modules
and in this documentation can be found in Chapter 2 from
page 11 onwards.
• You will find a description of the system and the main combi-
nation and expansion options in the next section.
•Chapter 4 from page 17 contains an introduction to the
method of operation of EtherCAT.
• The description of the connection variants and the pin assign-
ments on the inputs and outputs can be found in Chapter 5,
Connection, ff. page 21.
• An explanation of the module configuration using the ICP 100
program and an introduction to TwinCAT can be found in
Chapter 6, Configuration from page 85.
• In the appendix from page 116 you will find explanations on
the use of sensors (sense leads, scaling, current measure-
ments).

Q.series
Gantner Instruments GmbH 15
3 Introduction
3.3 System description
The modules in the Q.bloxx-EC series have been developed for
industrial and experimental measurement and test engineering,
in particular for multi-channel measurements of electrical,
mechanical and thermal signals on engine and component test-
rigs as well as for monitoring processes and long-term supervi-
sion in EtherCAT networks. For example, individual modules can
change the operating mode and measure either voltages, thermo-
couples, resistances or sensors. Depending on the operating
mode, there are other options such as the 4- or 6-wire circuit,
selectable measurement ranges and much more. The modules
A123, A124, A127 and A128 are specially designed for measure-
ments at high voltages.
Voltages of up to 1200V may be present on the connections
of the modules A123, A124, A127 and A128.
Before connecting or disconnecting cables make sure that
all sources of power are Locked Out.
The individual modules can be combined to form one system as
required. You can connect up to ten modules as independent
EtherCAT slaves using a bus coupler and an EtherCAT master.
On all modules the power supply, bus interface and the inputs
and outputs are electrically isolated from one another.
Alternatives
Another way of using Gantner measurement modules through
EtherCAT is offered to you, for example, by the Test Controller
Q.pac or Q.station 101. The Test Controllers have EtherCAT
interfaces and bundle the data of the Q.bloxx modules connected
to them (standard modules). In EtherCAT the relevant Test Con-
troller is displayed as a bus device with various inputs and out-
puts. In addition the Test Controller can output data over Ether-
net, carry out event-controlled acquisition, send using FTP, etc.
Two or more applications are possible simultaneously without the
EtherCAT functionality being restricted. You can connect up to
64 modules per controller depending on the Test Controller and
you can, of course, integrate several controllers in an EtherCAT
network.

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3 Introduction

Q.series
Gantner Instruments GmbH 17
4 Measuring with EtherCAT →Method of operation
4Measuring with EtherCAT
EtherCAT (Ethernet for Control Automation Technology) is a field
bus based on Ethernet and has been standardized since 2007 in
IEC 61158. The EtherCAT field bus is suitable for real-time
requirements. The advantages include:
• fast data transfer with short cycle times (≤100μs),
•low jitter (≤1μs) which facilitates very good synchronization,
•low hardware costs,
• various methods of wiring using line, tree, ring or stern topol-
ogy, facilitating line redundancy.
4.1 Method of operation
The EtherCAT network consists of a master and generally several
slaves. Here, the master can be, for example, a commercially
available PC with an Ethernet network card; the slaves usually
have an EtherCAT slave controller implemented in hardware as
ASIC or FPGA.
The master sends a so-called EtherCAT frame (data block, also
known as a telegram). The EtherCAT telegrams are here embed-
ded in a normal Ethernet data block (packet). All bus devices pass
on this data block within a defined time. During this time period
they extract the data intended for them from the EtherCAT frame
and and insert the data they have produced into the frame. The
last bus device then passes the data block back to the master.
The propagation time is basically only determined by the
(defined) delay time per bus device. This is the time needed to
transfer three bits. Consequently, EtherCAT facilitates fixed reac-
tion times.
4.2 The EtherCAT master
The EtherCAT master is the only bus device which may actively
send an EtherCAT frame. In this way it controls all EtherCAT bus
devices and also facilitates the configuration of a system.
In order to make the master functionality available, various pro-
grams are on the market which facilitate the installation of a mas-
ter on almost any hardware providing it uses a standard Ethernet
Medium Access Controller (MAC). However, in practice there are
restrictions depending on the program used, so therefore follow
the manufacturer's instructions for your program.
To recognize the properties of the bus devices, i.e. the inputs and
outputs, the master requires the information of which data are
needed. Usually, a configuration tool is used for this so that the

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4 Measuring with EtherCAT →Synchronization of the EtherCAT bus devices
master takes over the real-time transfer of the data and the con-
figuration tool handles the settings. Then, either the standard-
ized slave description files (ESI, EtherCAT Slave Information) or
a complete network configuration (ENI, EtherCAT Network Infor-
mation) are made available to the master.
4.3 Synchronization of the EtherCAT bus devices
For the exact synchronization of all bus devices EtherCAT offers
the Distributed Clock (DC) mechanism. In this case each bus
device has a clock which is normally synchronized by the master.
Here, the simultaneity is better than 1μs. This means that the
outputs, for example, which are set by various I/O modules, or the
data from inputs have a maximum “offset” of 1μs. You only have
to make sure that the setting DC (Distributed Clock) is active
in the master for the synchronization.
4.4 Connecting the Q.bloxx-EC modules
You connect the Q.bloxx-EC modules to a master through an
EtherCAT bus coupler. For I/O components EtherCAT specifies
an LVDS (Low Voltage Differential Signal) transfer, which is sim-
ilar to RS-485 and which takes place in the Q.bloxx-EC modules
via the ET1100 chip set from Beckhoff. Therefore, when connect-
ing the I/O assemblies, the bus coupler Q.bloxx-EC BC is needed
to convert the signals to the Ethernet standard. You can connect
up to ten modules to one bus coupler. Each module has its own
EtherCAT slave controller with Distributed Clock (DC).
4.5 Configuring the Q.bloxx-EC modules
As is normal with the Q.series, the Q.bloxx-EC modules can be
configured in many ways. For example, individual modules can
change the operating mode and measure either voltages, thermo-
couples, resistances or sensors. Depending on the operating
mode, there are other options such as the 3-, 4- or 6-wire circuit,
selectable measurement ranges and much more. As with normal
EtherCAT slaves, these settings can be principally modified using
so-called SDOs. However, here many settings are conceivable
which are not fully supported by the normal EtherCAT configura-
tion tools. Alternatively, the configuration could also take place
using a slave description file (ESI). But here too there would be
the problem that another file would be needed for each possible
configuration. Consequently, the Q.bloxx-EC modules only con-
tain a general ESI file; the detail configuration can be carried out
using SDOs and CoE (not supported by all masters).

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Gantner Instruments GmbH 19
4 Measuring with EtherCAT →Support for fast data transmission (XFC)
The Q.bloxx-EC modules support several protocols for configura-
tion:
1. CoE: CAN application protocol over EtherCAT
With this the communication mechanisms of CAN are avail-
able. The configuration is carried out with SDOs (Service
Data Objects) and the process data are arranged with PDO
mapping (Process Data Objects).
2. FoE: File access over EtherCAT
Files can be transferred with this protocol. For example, con-
figuration files or firmware updates can be sent to the mod-
ules.
You therefore have various ways of configuring your system:
1. You configure all settings using the graphically guided config-
uration software ICP 100 from Gantner and transfer the
parametrization file over the USB interface of the bus cou-
pler. This configuration is read by the master and it then rec-
ognizes all settings.
2. You configure all settings using the graphically guided config-
uration software ICP 100 from Gantner and transfer the
parametrization file via the EtherCAT master by FoE in the
modules. Here too, the configuration is read by the master
and it then recognizes all settings.
3. The Q.bloxx-EC modules offer a simplified ESI file. With this
the master can read the configuration of the modules and put
them into operation with the default configuration. You can
then carry out a further configuration with the EtherCAT mas-
ter via CoE with SDOs, provided this is supported by your
master.
4.6 Support for fast data transmission (XFC)
In an EtherCAT network measurements can be transferred up to
10,000 times per second. In order to be able to achieve higher
data rates for individual bus devices, the Q.bloxx-EC modules
support the XFC Technology (eXtreme Fast Control Technology)
from Beckhoff. In this method a slave does not just transfer only
one measurement per EtherCAT telegram, but rather several
(oversampling). Here, the measurements themselves are
acquired synchronously; several are just “collected”, before they
are (can) be output. With a cycle time for the telegrams of 200μs
and when ten measurements per telegram are transferred, you
then obtain a time-base resolution of 20μs for the measurements
of this channel.
You can transfer up to 100 values of a channel in one telegram
with this technique. The oversampling factor can here be set dif-

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4 Measuring with EtherCAT →Support for fast data transmission (XFC)
ferently for each Q.bloxx-EC module in order to obtain different
sample rates. In total per telegram you have approx. 1450 bytes
available to which measurements or values computed in the mod-
ules can be assigned. If required, the master can however trans-
fer a further telegram, to fetch values, assuming the selected
cycle time permits this within the bandwidth of the EtherCAT
interface (the Q.bloxx-EC modules support 100Mbit/s).
Tip
A configuration example can be found in Section 6.1.11,
page 100.